O'Driscoll desperate to tour with B & I Lions

Former British and Irish Lions captain Brian O'Driscoll has revealed that he is desperate to be named in Warren Gatland's British and Irish Lions squad next month.

O'Driscoll says that he is in no hurry to sign a new rugby contract with Leinster and Ireland and will wait until after the Lions tour to decide.

Ireland captain O'Driscoll's name was missing from a list of Leinster players who had re-signed for next season which prompted speculation that he could hang up his boots.

Leinster are still oin the running for the Amlin Challenge Cup and Rabo Direct Pro 12 titles and O'Driscoll is still in the running for the Lions tour to Australia.

Ireland's record try scorer O'Driscoll says that he is not yet thinking about next season.

"Who knows what the final act will be in my career. I just have to play it out this season and see how things unfold."

"Then I'll make a call after that," he told the Official Lions website.

"I'm not under any massive pressure to make a decision. I will see what happens over the next few months and take a look at things in July."

O'Driscoll was given a three match ban after the Six Nations for stamping in the match against Italy but returns to playing this weekend.

Realistically that gives O'Driscoll three matches to make an impression on Lions coach Warren Gatland.

There are two Pro12 matches against Munster and Zebre and then the Amlin Cup semi-final against Biarritz before Gatland is expected to announce his Lions squad.

2005 British and Irish Lions captain O'Driscoll says that he is anxious to be involved in the tour later this year.

"Playing for the Lions is the ultimate in your career, such a massive honour. You only have to look at the quality of some of the players who have never been on a Lions tour to realise that," said O'Driscoll.

"Playing in that calibre of team, and training day in, day out with that level of player, brings out the best in you. It's hugely exciting.

"I would love to be a part of a Lions team capable of winning a Test series and I think the team being put together by Warren Gatland is definitely capable of doing that in Australia. "

"It's not a question of me having some unfinished business after 2001 - I just want to play in a winning Lions team."

"You can't really allow yourself to think too much about Lions selection in April. It is a serious time of the season for a lot of players and certain players will be hopeful of getting selected."

"But you just have to keep on trying to improve and make a few more headaches for the coaches.

"It is the last chance to leave a lasting impression and I will be no different to any other player in that respect this month. You mustn't over think it - just get on with what you do week in, week out."